Mayor calls for critics to contest by-election

The mayor of Broken Hill, Wincen Cuy, is calling on the council's critics to run in an upcoming by-election.

Councillor John Groenendijk resigned last week after an ongoing heart problem.

Last night, councillors voted to spend $70,000 on a by-election to replace him within three months.

Councillor Cuy says he expects the competition will be fierce.

"I'm very pleased to have a lot of people out there criticising council," he said.

"Well this is their opportunity, now, to put their hand up and actually come inside now and see if they can contribute.

"It's easy to sit outside and to criticise things. Unless you have a solution to the problems, it's very difficult."

Cr Cuy says people who think they can do a better job than the current councillors should run for the position.

"I think the biggest quality they should have is a passion for Broken Hill," he said.

"We have a lot of people who come to council meetings, time and time and time again, criticise the council, say they have a lot of passion for Broken Hill, but when it comes time to put their hand up for any position, (they are) very, very reluctant to do that."